Choose Kindness – How to Positively Improve Your Joy in Work

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Being kind – it’s part of human nature and comes naturally – right? Well, we’d like to think that it’s natural to be kind- BUT WHEN WE REALLY THINK ABOUT IT – when we feel under pressure, IT DOES TAKES EFFORT.  We might be isolated to a degree during this pandemic, but even with only a little effort we can reap huge wellbeing rewards from choosing kindness in our daily routine.

It’s a scientific fact that acts of kindness in a work environment lead to improved emotional well-being – all round. 

When we exhibit acts of kindness a hormone known as serotonin is generated in our bodies that leads to feelings of calm and at the same time, improves our self-esteem. When we feel good about ourselves and others, we are more trusting and we form stronger bonds. Our perspective is generally positive allowing us to experience more happiness and joy in work.

We often tell ourselves that our colleagues will reach out to us if they need help but we forget that their silence may be an indication that a colleague is not managing. This may relate to a work activity or be about a life event that has occurred.   Life is still going on for us all. We are still, mothers, fathers, brothers, sister, daughters, sons, grandparents, friends etc.. we still wear all of these hats and have to juggle the complicating factors that can surface in each area of our lives.

Take the opportunity to check in on your work colleagues – ask the ‘R U OK’ question and find out how they are doing, are they struggling at all, and importantly, how can you be assistance. Sometimes just being there for your colleagues is the most effective support you can provide. Being the ear to which they can sound out concerns and ideas. Remember when we are in the one work environment we can easily reach out to our colleagues and ask their opinion. It is so easy to be insulated in your home based workplace.

It’s not only about being kind to others, but also being kind to yourself. Remember we are all imperfect and share this with all humanity. Treat yourself as you would a good friend.

  • Treat and reward yourself,
  • Recognise your own achievements
  • Engage in positive self-talk  – being your own best friend

Taking an opportunity to be kind to others:

  • Reaching out to a colleague – make a time to catch up with colleagues (albeit via phone or video-conferencing)
  • Be a sounding board to a colleague in need
  • Be considerate to your colleagues needs when meeting your own
  • Help your colleagues learn new work skills
  • Look for the good in your colleagues and compliment them on a job well done!
  • Sharing your experiences with your colleagues – success or otherwise. Showing our humility reinforces that we are human and that we can all make mistakes  – most mistakes can be rectified.

I found it helpful to keep a Kindness Journal for 1 week – I established a goal of seeking to show kindness each day. We may perceive ourselves (as I had before I set myself the challenge) that we are already kind – we help others, we go out of our way…what more can we do??? But when I set myself the challenge I found that my focus on being kind naturally drew out a positive vibe, – the result was a sense of happiness in others and a more positive, happy me! A me that not only voiced her appreciation of the world around her but really meant it.  I found that showing kindness draws out kindness in others. I have found that reaching out and showing kindness to others at work/in the work environment is satisfying. Let’s savour this experience together and positively effect the culture within our respective workspaces – set yourself the same challenge if this sounds like something you feel you can gain benefit from – see what feelings it leaves YOU with.

At Thriving People we are setting out to capture our ‘joy in work’ stories and broadcast them so we can learn from each other – turning theory into reality. Check this out on our website www.thrivingpeople.net.au. If you’d like to know more please connect with us at Thriving People.

Carol Young, Co-Director of Thriving People has 25 + years practical experience holding various qualification as an Occupational Therapist, Health and Safety Practitioner, Nationally Accredited Mediator and Conflict Management Coach (amongst other things).